Wilderness Walk for Warriors starts July 11 in Monson|

Contributed Article

 MONSON — On Saturday, July 11 Wilderness Walk for Warriors will begin their second annual trek through the 100-Mile Wilderness from Monson to Abol Bridge and all the way to Baxter Peak on Mount Katahdin, a total of 118 miles.

 During the summer of 2014, Wilderness Walk for Warriors consisted of a seven-man team. Each team member raised funds through individual pledges based on miles hiked or a flat basis. Thousands of dollars were raised from these pledges in combination with other fund raisers.

 Each team member also carried a Summit Project stone representing a Maine deceased soldier. All funds collected were then, in turn, used to assist Maine veterans and service members. These included Thanksgiving baskets at the American Legion in Mars Hill, Christmas baskets at the American Legion in Milo and thank-you baskets at the American Legion in Millinocket.

 Wilderness Walk for Warriors also gave back to veterans and service  members by purchasing a wheelchair for a Gold Star mom and donating cash for a “helping hands up” for veterans and service  members that were in dire need of financial assistance. Last year, 190 Maine veterans benefited monetarily from Wilderness Walk for Warriors.

 The Wilderness Walk for Warriors’ motto is “Assisting the Living and Honoring the Deceased.”  The 2015 team has grown to twelve members and the theme of this year’s trek is aptly named “Heroes Hike.” Along with honoring Maine’s deceased service members, they have expanded their honorees to include members of the law enforcement and firefighter community.

 Wilderness Walk for Warriors is extending an open invitation to all patriotic motorcycle groups and individuals to join an escort from Florida Avenue outside the Maine Army National Guard base in Bangor and ride 60 miles to the Monson Center for Community and Commerce. Kickstands go up at 8 a.m.

 After arrival in Monson, there will be a pre-hike celebration and ceremony honoring the Wilderness Walk for Warriors’ Heroes Hike.

 The collaborative event will be hosted by the town of Monson, Towne-Holmbom American Legion Post 116 of Monson, Cecil R. Cole American Legion Post 94 of Greenville, the Wilderness Walk for Warriors’ first volunteer group and others.

 The ceremony will include presenting of the colors, the Army chaplain prayer, the National Anthem and guest speakers including State Rep. Jared Golden and representatives of the Piscataquis County Legion posts and Monson town government.

 Bagpipes will be played to honor our fallen heroes and there will be local live entertainment, a patriotic quilt raffle, t-shirts for sale and door prizes donated by Penobscot Island Tours scenic flights.

 Additional sponsors include Herring Brothers of Guilford and A.E. Robinson convenience stories.

 Donation is $5 for the escort ride and $5 for the barbecue.